Driving a car can be a lot of fun. However, most car owners will tell you that having a vehicle also comes with a lot of responsibility. In addition to ensuring you're keeping up with oil changes and other maintenance issues, you must also take precautions against thieves. Otherwise, your car could end up being one of the millions of automobiles stolen every year around the world. Fortunately, there are still some things you can do to make sure your vehicle is safe. Keep reading for little-known tips on preventing anyone from breaking into your car, as recommended by former thieves themselves.
Secure Your License Plate With Security Screws To Make Switching Harder
Most of the time, switching a license plate is going to be one of the first things a criminal does after stealing a car. The plate numbers make it easy for police to identify a stolen car as soon as they see it, so thieves will often replace them with a plate off another car or with fake numbers. Luckily, it's not that hard to find security screws to secure your plates.
They're not going to be impossible to take off, but they will require some effort and time on the part of the criminal, who probably doesn't have either to spare if they're trying to make a getaway.
Check Your Car For GPS Trackers To Thwart Thieves
GPS might seem like the ultimate device to protect against someone stealing your vehicle, but the technology can be used both ways. For example, it's not too uncommon for a car thief to plant a GPS tracking device under a car before they go in to steal it. They do this so that they can map your routine and even see when you're away from your home, leaving it vulnerable.
A low-level car thief isn't likely to do this, but if your car is worth a bit more, then it might be a good idea to regularly check underneath to make sure you don't have anything else tagging along.
Thieves Shy Away From Cars That Are Covered
You might think that a car that's covered would be a tempting target for a thief. After all, if an owner covers their car, then they may consider whatever is underneath to be of value. However, that turns out not to be the case. Thieves will usually avoid cars that are covered because uncovering them is just one extra step they have to do in order to break in and steal them.
It also just makes it harder for them to see if there's anything inside of value since they have to take the entire cover off before peeking inside the car.
Swap Your Steering Wheel For A Removable One
Removable steering wheels are extremely common in the racing community, and while some of that has to do with a lot of those cars just being completely rebuilt, some of it's practical as well. Even if a thief is able to get into the car, they won't be able to drive it away without a steering wheel. You might lose some of the creature comforts you're used to, such as controls right on your steering wheel, but your car will be more secure.
You'll also have to carry the wheel in with you when you go to work or anywhere else, but luckily, removable steering wheels are pretty light and not much of a hassle.
Use A Signal-Blocking Pouch To Shield Car Keys
Not many people know this, but one pretty common method of stealing cars is using your own car keys against you. Thieves will use a device to lock on to your key's signal, if your car requires the key to be inside the car before starting up, and then the device will use the signal inside of your car. It basically tricks your car's own security system. Some keys can be turned off.
However, a lot of keys can't. Still, you can protect your key's signal by putting it in a Faraday bag, which shields the signal inside and prevents other devices from stealing it.
Use A Baby Monitor To Monitor Your Car
This clever little trick is really cheap, but it's also surprisingly effective. A baby monitor is a great alternative to an expensive camera system since it basically does the same thing and only activates when it picks up movement or sound. So, if it catches someone trying to break into your car, you're immediately alerted, and you also now have their face on video if they do end up getting away.
Most baby monitors are pretty small, and it shouldn't be too hard to find a place to hide it so that the thief doesn't see it as soon as they break into the vehicle.
Run A Separate Switch For Your Fuel Pump
Most cars these days use an electric fuel pump. That means that as soon as you try to start your car, a switch is flipped in the fuel pump, and the pump starts to send fuel to the engine, allowing your car to start. It also means that it's possible, and relatively simple, to run a separate switch bypassing your vehicle's ignition. It's best to hide this separate switch somewhere near the driver's seat.
So, if a thief somehow manages to get your keys or turns the ignition over, they still won't have fuel running to the engine, and therefore, they won't be able to start the car.
Get Rid Of Suction Cup Holders That Indicate Valuables Inside
You probably already know to hide or put away your valuables after you park your vehicle, but you should also hide any suction cups that are used to hold up your phone or another device. That's because these are signs that there might be something of value in your car. A thief sees one and then assumes that there might be some kind of electronic device hidden away in the center console or under the chair.
Whether or not you actually do have any valuable electronics stored away isn't important. What is important is deterring any potential theft in the first place so that a thief isn't tempted.
Turn Wheels Towards A Curb To Make Getaways Harder
This one is pretty simple, and it won't cost you a thing. After you've finished parking your car, you can turn your wheels all the way towards the curb or another vehicle next to you. Doing so makes it just a little bit harder for thieves to try and get away. Your wheels will be locked up when they turn the car on, and they'll also have to turn the other way before leaving.
If the criminal is in a hurry or panicking, then they'll likely fumble a bit before being able to get the car out of position and on the road.
Use A Steering Wheel Lock To Dissuade Theft
Investing in a steering wheel lock is simple and effective. No lock is going to be 100% effective, and the same is true of a steering wheel lock. However, they are easy for a thief to spot and they let criminals know that stealing this car is going to be that much more difficult than stealing a car without a steering wheel lock. Most criminals want the easiest possible target.
So, as soon as they see that they're going to have to make the extra effort to get the lock off, they'll probably be dissuaded and choose another car to target.
Check For Coins To Foil Attempted Theft
This is a pretty clever trick that thieves sometimes use to steal cars. Basically, they insert a coin between your door handle and the lock, usually on the passenger side door. When the driver goes somewhere and locks their door before leaving, the coin makes it so that the lock still engages and makes a sound. However, the door hasn't actually locked, and they can simply come, and a thief can walk up and simply open the door handle.
That's why you should check on your passenger side door when returning to your car. If you spot a coin jammed in the door handle, then you know someone is going to try and steal your car.
Use A Pager With Your Alarm
If you try and think back to the last time you heard a car alarm go off, we bet that the first thing that came to mind wasn't, "Oh wow, a car's being stolen; maybe I should alert the police." It was probably more like, "Oh wow, I really wish someone would turn that alarm off." We're just really used to hearing car alarms go off for reasons other than theft.
That's why it may be a better idea to have your car alarm linked to a pager system so that when it does go off, you're alerted immediately, whether or not you're near your car.
Alarm System Stickers Can Dissuade Care Theft
Oftentimes, the easiest way to dissuade someone from trying to steal your vehicle is to simply make it appear harder to break into. That's the idea behind this tip. You don't have to necessarily purchase a pricey security system in order to reap the benefits. Sometimes, even having a security system sticker on your car or a blinking light inside, is enough to dissuade would-be thieves from breaking in.
Of course, no security system is going to be 100% effective, and there are always ways to get around them, but it still helps deter the majority of criminals.
Make a "carbage" (car Plus Garbage) so Thieves Aren't Tempted To Steal From Your Trunk
If you're leaving a bag inside a car, then always remember to hide it somewhere. A criminal is always going to look inside a car before they break in to make sure there aren't any extra locks or security. And if they see a bag, whether it be a purse or a backpack, they're going to have one more reason to risk it, thinking there might be something of value inside.
This goes for any type of bag, and it usually only takes a couple of seconds to hide or throw in the trunk before you walk into a store.
Install A Kill Switch So Your Car Won't Start
Similar to installing an extra switch for your fuel pump, a kill switch can prevent a car from starting until it's been switched on or off. However, it's a bit more complicated to install, so your best bet is to get a professional to install a kill switch. You're also going to want to hide it somewhere that's difficult to find. But it basically prevents a motor from receiving power.
Some people even take it a step further and have more than one kill switch installed so that even if a thief does find it, they still have to locate the others.
Park In Well Lit Places So Thieves Think Twice
This one seems a bit obvious, but it goes a long way in making sure your vehicle is protected. Try only parking in places that are well-lit and out in the open, whether you're parking day or night. A car thief is going to be much less likely to try and steal your vehicle or something inside if they think there's a higher chance that they'll be seen by someone or by cameras.
In fact, a lot of criminals won't even bother targeting vehicles that are in well-lit areas because there are usually much easier targets out there and they don't want to run the risk.
Use A Locking Nut To Protect Rims
Thieves aren't always going to target your car. After all, it's large and easier for police to track than most of the other valuables inside your car. They'll also target rims, which can be pretty expensive, as well as fast to take. This applies to both aftermarket and stock rims, and if you don't believe us, then try looking up the price of a new set of rims for your vehicle.
An easy way to thwart rim theft is to simply replace one of your wheel's lug nuts on each tire with a locking nut that requires a special key in order to take off.
Have Your Windows Tinted To Limit Visibility
Most of the time, a thief will try to look inside your vehicle before they actually decide whether or not they want to try and steal it or something inside. If they see something of value inside, then they may decide that it's worth the risk and proceed to try and break in. An easy way of deterring this is to simply have your windows tinted in a dark tint.
It limits visibility so that they can't see inside. However, some states have limits on how dark you can tint your windows, so it's a good idea to check local laws beforehand.
Mark Your Tools That You Store in the Car To Make Them Harder To Sell
If you own or drive a truck or van, then you're a bigger target for thieves. They're not necessarily looking to steal your entire vehicle, but they will assume that you have a bunch of valuable tools and equipment inside. Other than following some of the other advice on this list, you can try to mark your tools and equipment with your name, phone number, or address. This makes it harder for a thief to sell them.
And if they do manage to sell them, then there's always the chance of something getting back to you, thus giving police a lead to follow and find whoever stole it.
Check Your Tires For Bottles That Are Used As Signals
This is a little trick that some thieves use to signal when an owner has returned to their car. They'll put a plastic bottle between a car's wheel and the wheel well. When the owner starts to drive away, the bottle will be crushed, creating a loud noise, which drivers usually pick up on and stop to check out. Hearing the noise, too, thieves will jump out and ambush the driver.
They do this because drivers usually leave their keys in the car while they're checking on the noise, so it pays to check your tires for bottles when returning to a vehicle.
Don't Reverse Park And Make It Easy To Get Away
Some people like to reverse park so that it's easier for them to get out when they get back to their car. However, this also makes it easier for a thief to escape after they've managed to start up a vehicle. That's why you always want to park normally. It may only take a couple of more seconds for a criminal to back out, but every second is valuable in that situation.
The point is to make it harder for someone to get away with theft, and reverse parking simply makes it that much easier for anyone looking to steal a car.
Hide Your Stereo System Faceplate To Deter Thieves
This one is becoming less and less relevant, since many more cars are now coming stock with better and better radios and the radios themselves are getting more difficult to replace. However, if you do have an aftermarket stereo system, then you should think about removing the faceplate every time you leave your car unattended. Stereo systems are usually a really popular target among thieves because they're quick and easy to grab.
If a criminal looks in your car and doesn't see a faceplate, they are probably not going to take the time to break in and then rummage around to find it.
Motion Lights Can Protect Against Theft
Motion sensor lights are a pretty simple and effective deterrent against crime. These lights turn on as soon as the motion sensors inside detect any kind of movement. They'll often pick up on things that aren't people, but if a criminal is walking by late at night and lights flip on, they're usually going to leave the car underneath alone, whether or not they think the owner happens to be awake.
However, they should be installed in the right place because if they're too low, the thief can just walk up and unscrew the bulb, making the lights pretty much useless.
Try Not To Leave Ownership Documents In Your Car
This one won't be possible for everyone, depending on your state's laws. However, it is generally a good idea not to leave car ownership documents inside your vehicle. Things like insurance cards, registration, and especially bills of sale should be kept in your home, wallet, or on your phone. So, if a thief does steal you car, they won't be able to pretend that it's theirs or forge signatures on paperwork.
Again, this is especially important for your bill of sale, which is never required to be in the car and which makes it easy for a criminal to claim ownership of a car.
Switch Parking Spots Regularly To Make Yourself A Harder Target
You've probably had the experience of walking past a car parked in the same spot on multiple occasions. Every time you walk past that same car, it's always there. It turns out that parking in the same exact spot every day makes you an easier target for theft. That's because it makes it easier for someone to make a plan around how to steal your car if they can count on consistency.
So, it's important to switch up your parking space every now and then, especially if you're just parking on a city street somewhere or if you're parking your car in the same spot overnight.
Keyholes Make A Car An Easier Target
There's a simple trick that a lot of car thieves will use to break into vehicles, and all it takes is a piece of string and a couple minutes. We won't say what exactly that trick is since we don't want to give anybody any ideas, but just know that it targets the keyhole on your car door. That's one of the reasons that newer models without keyholes are a bit safer.
The absence of a keyhole altogether prevents thieves from using the trick to steal vehicles, thus making your car more secure and less likely to be stolen by someone.
Tire Locks Can Dissuade Car Theft
This isn't the most practical tip on this list, but it is one of the most effective. A tire lock is a great way to dissuade thieves from trying to steal your car, but it does take a bit of work on your part since tire locks can be bothersome to put on and take off. Still, they might make a lot of sense if you plan on parking somewhere for a long time.
It's just too much work for someone looking to steal a car unless that car is highly valuable, in which case a tire lock is probably going to be one more layer of defense you need to consider.
Don't Store IDs In Your Vehicle
There are a couple of different reasons why you want to avoid storing your identification documents in your vehicle. Firstly, it just prevents you from losing these types of important documents if something is stolen from your car, and it also prevents potential identity theft, which is the last thing you want to be dealing with on top of having money or valuables taken. It also just makes you less of a target.
If a thief spots an ID or a passport in your car, then they may assume that you have other valuables inside or that you're preparing to go on a trip, making your home or car an easy target.
Never Store Spare Keys In Your Car
You've probably watched a movie involving a thief who's just broken into a car and managed to find an extra spare key somewhere. While this probably seems unlikely in real life, you'd probably be surprised how often it actually happens. People store their spare keys in their cars all the time, whether in the glove compartment or in the center console. Of course, that's usually a bad idea and it makes a thief's job incredibly easy.
Instead, you probably want to keep your spare key in your home, hidden away just in case someone ever breaks in and decides to make their getaway in your car.
Don't Leave Vulnerable Items On Top Of Vehicles
Here's a tip that might seem a bit obvious, but it's honestly kind of surprising how often someone will leave valuable items on the roof of their vehicles. Even if these things are secured with a lock, they're going to be an easier target and relatively simple for someone with a set of boltcutters to nab. So, you want to always take whatever you have on your roof off and secure it away after returning home.
Another big target is toolboxes on the back of trucks. And while it's not practical to secure these away when you get home, you can add extra locks to make them harder to steal.
Store Valuables In Your Trunk To Keep Them Safer
If you are forced to keep your valuables in your car, then the safest place you can often put them is in the trunk of your car. Not only is it surprisingly hard to get into the trunk of a car, but it's also just rarely checked. When a thief breaks into your car, they're usually in a hurry unless they know that you're not going to be returning anytime soon.
Anyone breaking into a car is going to be so busy trying to rummage through your center console and under your seats that they're not going to have time to check the trunk.
Opt For Paid Parking For Better Protection
Okay, nobody likes paying for parking, but it is one of the best ways to ensure someone doesn't break into your car. If it's only a couple of bucks and the parking lot has an attendant or some security around, it's usually worth it to ensure nobody tries to steal anything from inside your car or the car itself. If you do decide to park somewhere without security, then park near the gate.
That's where the lot or garage will see the most people coming in and out, thus providing you with a lot more witnesses if someone does try to break in.
Make Sure Windows Are All The Way Closed
This one might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how thieves can take advantage of even the tiniest crack in your window. If you've ever had your keys locked in your car and had to fish them out or try and open the car door from the inside, then you know how possible it is to get into a car with the window cracked. It might take a second, depending on how much practice someone has had.
However, if they've practiced enough, then they could be just as fast as a professional. So, it's always a good idea to check and make sure your windows are rolled all the way up.
Know If Your Car Is On A Thief's Desirable List
Being aware if your car is a popular target for criminals is one of the best ways to make an informed decision about what steps to take for protection. And there are plenty of resources out there that track the make and model of stolen cars from year to year. Sometimes, a car may be a popular target due to a defect that makes it easier to steal as well.
The more you know, the more you're able to protect yourself from having your vehicle, or something of value inside, stolen. Insurance companies often have data on the types of cars stolen and why.
Remember To Fully Close The Sunroof
Sunroofs are pretty secure when they're fully closed, but even when they're left cracked, they can be a tempting target for a thief. Just like with your door windows, someone can try to use them to open up your car door and break in. And sunroofs are probably left cracked much more often than door windows by people who don't want to come back to their car and sit in an oven.
Still, you should avoid cracking your sunroof and definitely avoid forgetting to close it after you've parked. Leaving it open is a sure way to come back to something missing.
Never Leave Your Car Running
Yes, this one is pretty obvious, but it happens all the time. Someone leaves their keys in the ignition and their car running because they plan to quickly dash inside a store and grab something. However, this makes it extremely easy for a thief to make off with the car since they have everything they'd ever need. You've basically made their job as easy as could be. And there's more.
Even if you just plan on dashing inside real quick, there's no telling how long you're actually going to spend inside if you get caught in a line or there's a problem with the register.
Never Leave Money Visible Inside A Car
Never leaving money visible inside a vehicle is pretty obvious, but like a lot of obvious things on this list, there are still a lot of instances in which it happens. And we're not even necessarily talking about leaving a lot of money visible. It only takes a couple of dollars or a lot of spare change to indicate that whoever owns a vehicle is pretty careless or might have more valuables inside.
Leaving some cash inside for emergencies is still possible, but you want to secure it away inside a locked glove compartment or a center console that can also be locked.
Get A Professional To Install Your Security System
There are plenty of places that will install a car security system for you, but you should be picky with who you choose. That's because places that have a dedicated professional are usually more aware of how thieves will try to break into a car. Thus, they're usually more aware of how to counter any efforts to break in on the part of the criminal. After all, it's what they do for a living.
They've likely seen just about every way there is to break into a car and they can install a car alarm or security system in order to prevent criminals from easily getting into your car.
Doing The Minimal Can Deter Thefts
It often doesn't take much to dissuade someone from trying to break into a car. Thieves are usually out to find the easiest possible target available, and they know what signs to look for. So, even combining a couple of simple things like making sure your car is locked, there's nothing of value visible inside, and you're parked in a position that makes it hard for someone to escape can go a long way.
A lot of criminals are actually pretty smart when it comes to committing crimes, so they're going to be able to look at a car and immediately be able to tell if it's not worth their time.